CHICAGO — Local celebrities and dignitaries said they had much for which to be thankful this year. DNAinfo Chicago asked a range of figures in the news in the past year for their thoughts on Thanksgiving, and here are their responses (in alphabetical order by last name):
Rick Bayless, celebrity chef: "I'm eternally grateful for the staff at our restaurants. Some have been with us since we first opened, way back in 1987."
Coach Q’s Mustache, Twitter account devoted to Joel Quenneville's mustache: "I'm thankful for a good home, two Thanksgivings (American AND Canadian), and a friend who always has my back. And, of course, gravy. Lots of gravy."
Don Cooper, White Sox pitching coach: “I am so thankful for my entire family, all of my friends, my health and being able to work with the White Sox for so many years. I welcome all that comes my way, both good and not so good, because all things are brought into my life for a reason.”
Jim Cornelison, Blackhawks anthem singer: "My kids. 22, 17 and 16 months!"
Archbishop Blase J. Cupich: "I am daily grateful for the appointment by Pope Francis to Chicago."
Catherine De Orio, "Check, Please!" host: "I am thankful for my pug Bailey who ensures that none of my restaurant leftovers go to waste; that my scale broke just as we are heading into the holiday season; that I don’t have any food allergies and for Joe Manganiello … I mean my husband, my husband."
Graham Elliot, celebrity chef: "The easy answer is to simply say, 'I am thankful for my health and my family,' however sometimes you need to articulate not only what you're 'thankful' for but the things you absolutely could not live without. For me those things are the support, love, encouragement and friendship that my wife Allie provides me on a daily basis ... the smiles that my boys Mylo, Conrad and Jedediah have plastered across their faces from the time they wake us up to the time we finally get them to sleep ... the mere fact that I can pay bills and support my family by simply working with food and people. Clearly there are a million other things in my life that I might not express my appreciation for as often as I should, but thankfully I'm surrounded by people who are understanding ... and for that, I'm very thankful."
White Sox infielder Micah Johnson delivered turkeys and pies to prepare Thanksgiving meals with St. James Social Care. [Jordan Doyle/Images courtesy of Chicago White Sox]
Micah Johnson, White Sox infielder: "Being in a position that allows me to help others and put a smile on people’s faces just because of what I do."
Garry McCarthy, Chicago Police Superintendent: "I am grateful and thankful to have the opportunity to lead the men and women of the Chicago Police Department. I am awestruck by the amazing work that they do every day."
The Rev. Michael Pfleger: "I am most thankful for Faith for a God who promises to never leave or forsake us in the difficult times in which we live. It is His promise and the brothers and sisters who witness this faith that carries us through."
Allie Quigley, Chicago Sky: “I’m thankful for my health and being able to play basketball for a living. I’m also thankful for my amazing family!!! They love and support me no matter where I am in the world. And, of course, I’m thankful that Justin Bieber is coming to Allstate Arena this April!”
Roz Varon, ABC broadcaster: "I'm thankful for my family — my daughter, who I love more-than-the-world, is a student at Columbia College, living on campus, but less than a mile from my office! I'm thankful for my husband who continues to support me through my cancer journey. I'm thankful for my 81-year-old parents! I'm thankful to have a job where I can help people every day, and I'm thankful for my canine companions whose unconditional love makes me smile every day, no matter what!"
Tamera Young, Chicago Sky: “I am thankful ... every day not just on Thanksgiving. Every morning waking up to see a beautiful day I am thankful. I am thankful for great health, a loving supportive family, caring friends, and to be living my dream. I'm thankful to live everyday inspiring others and young ones to go after their dreams. I'm thankful that my good days outweigh my bad days. I'm also thankful for my college degree and not having to pay back student loans HA :-)“
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